Writer and Author Salary in Virginia
Based on 2K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$85,000
$40.87/hr
vs National Average
$70,716
+20.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$44K – $131K
2K employed in Virginia
Discovering the Writer and Author salary in Virginia reveals a median annual income of $85,000. This figure positions Virginia significantly above the national average, with professionals earning approximately 20% more. Currently, around 1,530 individuals are employed in these roles across the state, reflecting a robust job market for creative talent.
Several factors influence the Writer and Author salary in Virginia. Experience level, the specific niche or genre of writing, and the type of employer, whether a publishing house, a corporation, or freelance work, all play a crucial role. Geographic location within Virginia can also impact earning potential, with metropolitan areas often offering higher compensation due to greater demand and cost of living.
Salary Distribution — Writer and Author in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,190 |
| 25th percentile | $64,730 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $85,000 |
| 75th percentile | $104,000 |
| 90th percentile | $131,040 |
Top-Paying Industries for Writer and Author (U.S.)
Which industries pay Writer and Authors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Writer and Authors in Virginia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $131,800 | 40 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $107,910 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $95,260 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $84,620 | 2K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $84,040 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Writer and Author in Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,540 |
| 2023 | $76,940 |
| 2024 | $80,990 |
| 2025 | $85,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $89,209 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,540 | $62,421 |
| 2023 | $76,940 | $65,436 |
| 2024 | $80,990 | $66,313 |
| 2025 | $85,000 | $70,716 |
| 2026 (projected) | $89,209 | $74,217 |
Writer and Author Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,730 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $85,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $104,000 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $131,040 |
Writer and Author Salary in Other States
Related Writer and Author Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Writer and Author ($85,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Writer and Author | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in VA | $98,920 | +16.4% | $47.56/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in VA | $89,210 | +5.0% | $42.89/hr |
| Editor in VA | $80,590 | -5.2% | $38.75/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in VA | $80,380 | -5.4% | $38.64/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in VA | $77,690 | -8.6% | $37.35/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in VA | $77,270 | -9.1% | $37.15/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in VA | $76,980 | -9.4% | $37.01/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in VA | $63,980 | -24.7% | $30.76/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in VA | $86,030 | +1.2% | $41.36/hr |
| Psychologist in VA | $86,520 | +1.8% | $41.60/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in VA | $83,230 | -2.1% | $40.01/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in VA | $82,910 | -2.5% | $39.86/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a writer or author in Virginia?
- The median salary for a writer or author in Virginia is $85,000 per year, which breaks down to about $41 per hour. This median figure means half of writers and authors in the state earn more, and half earn less.
How does the salary for writers and authors in Virginia compare to the national average?
- Writers and authors in Virginia earn significantly more than the national average, with a median salary that is 20.2% higher. The median Virginia salary of $85,000 per year is well above the national figure.
What is the typical salary range for a writer or author in Virginia?
- The salary range for writers and authors in Virginia is quite broad, typically falling between $44,190 and $131,040 annually. This indicates a wide spectrum of earning potential within the profession in the state.
How many writers and authors are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 1,530 writers and authors employed in Virginia. This figure represents the current total employment for this profession within the state.